José Javier Rodríguez, a Democratic candidate for Attorney General, says he raised nearly $700,000 for the chance to unseat James Uthmeier.
“Floridians want an Attorney General who works for them, not for powerful interests. The strong support behind our campaign shows real momentum to restore integrity and accountability to the Attorney General’s office,” said Rodríguez, a Miami Democrat.
“As Attorney General, I’ll take on corruption, hold state government accountable, and be an independent voice for working families.”
Rodríguez launched his campaign in June. The former state Senator previously lost a re-election bid by just 34 votes in 2020. The results continued to be scrutinized for years as he also faced “ghost” candidate Alex Rodriguez, a no-party candidate who did not campaign but siphoned nearly 6,400 votes.
The financial support for Rodríguez in 2025 came to his campaign and his affiliated political committee, Floridians for JJR, the campaign announced. Rodríguez said it showed broad support and a desire for Floridians to see government stand up to corruption.
Rodríguez’s committee through the end of the year raised a total of nearly $309,000, and closed the year with more than $94,000 in cash on hand. Donations included a $50,000 check from Miguel Fernandez of Coral Gables in December. The Barbara Stiefel Trust donated $25,000 as well. The committee reported $10,000 donations from Laurie Schecter, Frank Morzani, Alix Ritchie and the accounting firm Terrell, Hogan Yegelwel.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez’s campaign account reported upward of $378,000 for the year. That included $3,000 from the 78 Political Committee, as well as $3,000 each from lawyer Stephen Pajcic and retiree Stuart Crandall.
Rodríguez currently faces Jim Lewis in a Democratic Primary. Lewis also sought to challenge then-Attorney General Ashley Moody but lost the Democratic nomination to Aramis Ayala.
Uthmeier, who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Cabinet post to replace Moody after her ascension to the U.S. Senate, currently faces Steven Leskovich for the Republican nomination.
